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Citizen Posts
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By Mike Rwothomio
Hundreds of Alur subjects, youth, elders, women, and men, gathered in jubilation to witness a long-awaited and pivotal moment in Alur history: the cultural reconciliation between the Okuru Chiefdom and Paidha-Omua Chiefdom on Friday, October 24, 2025.
The two leaders have made history by extending olive branches to each other, effectively burying the hatchet over the bitter divide caused by their great-grandfathers thousands of years ago.
His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III became the King of Alur in 2006 and has reigned for 19 years. Meanwhile, Rwoth Emmanuel Kermit Angia of the Paidha-Omua Chiefdom became the chief of Paidha in 2007 and has reigned for 18 years.
This sacred event, eagerly anticipated for decades, brought immense gratitude and joy to the Alur people. The reconciliation took place along the sacred banks of Leda Stream in Owenjo Chiefdom, Jangokoro Sub-county, Zombo District.
His Royal Majesty Ubimu Phillip Olarker Rauni III, the revered Ubimu (King) of the Alur Kingdom and Leb Tong (Spearhead) of Okuru Chiefdom, joined Rwoth Emmanuel Kermit Angia of Paidha-Omua Chiefdom to perform the sacred Alur ritual known as “Thumu Caak”.This mandatory rite, rooted in Alur royal tradition, marked a turning point in the relationship between the two chiefdoms.
The “Thumu Caak ” ritual traces its origins to the 17th century (1660s), following the bitter separation of two Alur princes, Ngira II and Magwar, sons of Rwoth Omyer Dhyang.
According to the Prime Minister of Alur Kingdom Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, , Ngira II became the Leb Tong of Nyipir, reigning over Okuru, with his royal line now upheld by Ubimu Rauni III. Magwar, on the other hand, assumed leadership over the Okebu after deposing their Paramount Chief, Parathagu, with his royal line now led by Rwoth Angia.
Premier Opar explained that these historical developments occurred under various Ngulu Caak (oath-bound separations), which necessitate reconciliation to restore harmony. The Ngulu Caak ritual lifts the sacred oath, “Rwodhi ma ungulu Caak Ker ribu cing’gi ungo pien Caak utye Kwong” meaning the chiefs are bound until reconciliation is fulfilled.
This rite is a vital prerequisite, enabling the two royal brothers to freely interact physically, culturally, and socially, in accordance with Alur tradition.
It paves the way for their collaboration during Ubimu Rauni III’s 15th Coronation Anniversary, set for Friday, October 31, 2025, in Paidha-Omua Chiefdom, Paidha Town Council, and fosters ongoing unity for the development of Alurland.
Hundreds gathered along Leda Stream under cloudy skies, with a light drizzle falling after the ceremony, as if the heavens blessed the reconciliation. The event, once deemed impossible, became a reality, uniting two revered leaders held in high esteem by their subjects.
Rwoth Emmanuel Kermit Angia of Paidha-Omua Chiefdom declared, “This ceremony has set us free. From today, I can visit Kal Atyak without hesitation, and you, my brother, the Rwoth Ubimu of Alur, can come to Kal Omua. We will discuss our matters together. I feel free and overjoyed that this moment has arrived.” His words sparked ululations, clapping, and traditional Alur songs, with subjects heaping blessings upon the two leaders.
His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III, speaking before the sacred ritual, emphasized its significance for peace and unity.
“Today, we celebrate peace and unity. From this day forward, we shall walk together as one. God has placed me here to ensure progress for all Alur subjects.” His words were met with thunderous applause from the gathered crowd, who had waited years for this historic day.
This reconciliation sets the stage for stronger trust, reduced conflict, and harmonious collaboration across the Alur Kingdom, which spans 56 chiefdoms in Uganda and 8 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, serving millions of subjects.
Prince Lawrence Opar Angala, the Alur Kingdom’s Prime Minister, provided historical context, noting that the Thumu Caak clears the path for the upcoming 15th Coronation Anniversary of Rwoth Ubimu.
“Culturally, this rite allows the two royals to unite and work together. It is especially significant as we prepare for the King’s coronation anniversary in Paidha-Omua Chiefdom on October 31, 2025. For the two to join hands in this celebration, this reconciliation was imperative, as is customary in Alur culture,” Opar explained in a sideline interview with journalists.
Opar further justified the ceremony, citing historical precedents: “This ritual mirrors reconciliations between Nyabongo and Gipir in Pakwach, Magwar and Ngira, and Rwoth Jalosiga and Rwoth Nason. It is a necessary rite for the two royals to coexist harmoniously.”
The ceremony culminated in a powerful moment as the two royals embraced, marking the dawn of enduring peace, unity, and harmony in Alurland.
They planted banyan trees on either side of Leda Stream, a sacred symbol of unity that will stand as a testament to this historic reconciliation.
Subjects’ Reactions
James Ubima, Secretary of Social Services for Abanga Sub-County, expressed his joy: “I am blessed to witness this historic day. Unity is paramount, and I urge our subjects to emulate this gesture to make our world a better place.”
Fulumena Winja, a 60-year-old from Uwenjo Clan in Jangokoro Subcounty, shared, “We grew up hearing that these two chiefs could not meet due to their ancestors’ bitter separation. I am overjoyed that this moment has come to pass.”
Cosma Ukweda from Pakadha in Abanga Sub-County added, “We are thrilled to see our leaders unite.”
Sunday Wedunga, a grandson of Acil from Uwenjo, remarked, “We heard this history as if it were a riddle. I am overjoyed that our King and the Rwoth of Paidha have reconciled. This moment will be shared with future generations.”
The ceremony frees Ubimu, the Leb Tong of the Luo worldwide, and Rwoth Angia of Paidha-Omua to collaborate without cultural impediments, ensuring their reigns are unhindered by historical oaths.
The Alur Kingdom believes this reconciliation will strengthen relationships, foster mutual respect, and build a cohesive Alur society.
The ceremony solidifies the upcoming 15th Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Ubimu Phillip Rauni Ularker III, set for October 31, 2025, at Kyambogo University Playground in Paidha Town Council.
Thousands are expected to attend this annual event, which Ubimu rotates across the Kingdom to bring this historic celebration to the people, reinforcing the unity and cultural pride of the Alur.
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